Pulp and Paper Processing Equipment Education and Training

Keep the operators of your paper processing machines up-to-date with education and training
By Jennifer Ehlenfeldt, Freelance Writer Processing of paper is a routine procedure at most pulp and paper production plants, but don't overlook training updates for your equipment operators. While the equipment makes advancements, so does the processing of pulp into paper. Make sure your entire plant is well educated by providing them with the latest in equipment training information.

From pulp and paper machinery courses to on-site training seminars including basic or advanced equipment training, there are many educational choices to choose from. If you already have a well-established production base, you may only need to spend some time reviewing equipment operations through materials you collect. In contrast, new operators may benefit from an introductory seminar or even college-level course on paper processing. Start by:

1. Considering an equipment operator course that teaches the ins and outs of machinery for paper processing.

2. Joining a network of other processors to gain access to valuable resources.

3. Getting information from paper processing equipment manufacturers.

Find pulp and paper processing equipment education and training

A knowledgeable paper processing equipment operator can mean the difference between a great quality product and a load of equipment issues that cost the company loads of money. Educating your operators in the proper equipment processes is important in keeping your plant running smoothly. Provide training for pre-hires, or offer additional training and courses for operators as a refresher in proper equipment operations.
Try:  The Alabama Center for Paper and Bioresource Engineering is a faction of Auburn University's college of engineering that offers undergraduate, graduate and continuing education programs for the paper processing industry. Penn Foster Workforce Development offers an employee education course on pulp and paper processing equipment. Provide your potential employees with a sound pulp and paper processing education through Gatlin Education Services. The web-based course is designed for potential operators with little prior training.

Join a paper processing association for pulp and paper processing equipment resources

Networking with peers is an ideal way to gain information and resources links. Join a group of paper processing industry leaders, and take advantage of all the resources they have available from training seminars to pamphlets and instructional videos.
Try:  The Market Pulp Association is an industry group of North American pulp producers. They offer resources about pulp equipment, production and information about the changing industry. Find educational resources at the American Forest and Paper Association or the American Wood Council. Both have large scale memberships of paper and pulp industry leaders.

Find pulp paper equipment training materials to use online

Whether you want to spend the time training your employees, or you want to outsource your training to a professional organization, several resources are available online. Look for resources that deal specifically with the type of processing equipment with which your employees come in contact.
Try:  Use the Business Industrial Network as a training resource. They offer seminars, on-site training and a database of pulp equipment solutions. The interactive library at the Forest Products Society website can also be a useful tool in finding additional pulp and paper equipment training materials.

• The operator of a machine for paper processing must have some type of training before starting the job. Because of the complexity of equipment, on-the-job training is not recommended as the sole training. Contact one of several pulp and paper college or technical college programs to find good first-time operator candidates.